Anawilundawa Ramsar Sanctuary: mangrove cascade birding and water monitor hazards?
7 Answers from travellers
Anawilundawa is a unique ancient wetland system where a cascade of six man-made tanks (dating to the 12th century) merges into estuarine mangrove swamps. Between November and March, it provides a crucial stopover for thousands of migratory waterfowl, including Garganeys, Black-tailed Godwits, and Asian Openbills. Walking along the central earthen tank bunds provides unobstructed vantages over lotus-covered shallows. Avoid stepping through thick waterside reeds; large Asian Water Monitors (Varanus salvator) and Mugger Crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) regularly sun themselves on muddy banks.
Early morning light between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM is essential for photography before heat haze rises over the shallow water surfaces.
The sanctuary is directly accessible from the Arachchikattuwa railway station, making it accessible via the Northern coastal line from Colombo.
Wear protective footwear to guard against stepping on sharp spines from fallen Barringtonia acutangula seed pods strewn along the tank margins.
Salinity gradients transition from fresh water in the eastern upper tanks to brackish water near the coastal canal, creating varied feeding niches.
A dedicated mangrove restoration corridor lines the western perimeter, replacing abandoned shrimp aquaculture ponds with re-planted Rhizophora.
Flying drones within the sanctuary airspace is prohibited to avoid disturbing concentrated breeding colonies of Little Cormorants and Herons.
You must be logged in to post an answer.
Log In to AnswerRelated questions
- Wildlife parks in Sri Lanka beyond Yala - Wilpattu, Minneriya, Udawalawe - which is worth visiting?2 answers
- Kandy Esala Perahera - when does it happen, where are the best viewing spots, and how do I get seats?2 answers
- Arugam Bay vs Weligama for intermediate surfing - which should I choose and why?2 answers
- Best local food to eat in Colombo - where do locals actually eat and what should I try?2 answers
- How cheap can you realistically travel Sri Lanka on a shoestring - $25-30 USD per day?2 answers
- Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka - what to expect and how to find genuine treatment vs tourist trap?2 answers
Join a Crew
Kandy Perahera Live Tonight
Perahera Seats, Hotels & Roads
Dalada & Perahera Culture